OLIVIA CHOW

Olivia Chow’s story is one of resilience, public service and the belief that a city is strongest when everyone has a place within it. From a young immigrant finding her voice in Toronto to becoming the city’s first mayor of Asian descent and securing a second term in office, her journey reflects more than four decades of public service and community advocacy.

Born in Hong Kong, Chow immigrated to Toronto with her parents when she was 13. Her early experiences shaped a deep understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers, working families and those who often feel unheard. Inspired by the power of community action, she entered public life with a commitment to making government more compassionate, inclusive and responsive.

A graduate of the Ontario College of Art (OCA, now OCAD University), she worked as a sculptor, ESL teacher and counsellor for new immigrants before embarking on a career in public service.

Beginning as a school trustee, where she served for six years, she later became the first Asian-born woman elected as a Metro Toronto Councillor in 1991. As councillor, she helped establish programs supporting Toronto families. She went on to become the Member of Parliament for Trinity–Spadina in 2006, bringing Toronto’s diverse voices to the national stage. She was re-elected twice, serving until 2014.

While an opposition MP, she introduced an Early Learning and Child Care bill advocating for a universal, high-quality, affordable and non-profit national child care program. Her bill proposing a National Public Transit Strategy also received support from mayors and municipalities across Canada.

In 2023, Chow returned to municipal leadership when she was elected Toronto’s 66th mayor, becoming the first woman to hold the office since the amalgamation of Metro Toronto’s six municipalities in 1998.

Now re-elected for a second term in 2026, Chow continues a career in public service that has spanned municipal and federal politics, with a longstanding focus on affordable housing, public transit and community services. Her journey from OCAD U graduate to two-term mayor of Canada's largest city reflects the many ways an education in art and design can lead to a career beyond the creative industries.